Monday, June 9, 2014

Blog Hop - Writers on Writing

A couple weeks ago, I was approached about participating in a Blog Hope by my friend and author of the Alvarez Family Murders, among other books, Heather Haven. I’ve known Heather for several years, love her writing and we’ve become friends. How could I refuse? Besides, I take every opportunity to participate in blogs. So, of course I said yes. She sent me this list of questions to answer. Hopefully, I’ve told you something you don’t know about me.

What am I working on/writing?

I’m working on a sequel to All in the Family. Callie’s aunt, Beatrice Lulu, insisted she have her own book. She’s quite a character and I enjoy working with her. Unfortunately, she quit speaking to me. It’s been over a month since I’ve written anything about her. Not sure why she quit talking, but she takes fits every so often. Usually when I’m blocked on a book, I work on something else. I do have another book going that I’ve been blocked on for several years, so needless to say, I’m not working on that one at the moment either.
Unlike other authors, I don’t plot out my books. I did that once and it took me two years to finish the book. The only thing I know about my books when I start to write is the beginning and end. What happens in the middle is as much a surprise to me as it is to my readers.

How does my writing/work differ from others in its genre?

I usually write romance with mystery elements. My heroes and heroines range in age from mid-twenties to seventies. Yes, old people need love, too. Not only do I write mystery, I often write paranormal, usually ghosts. I did do one with ESP, which was really fun. I try to add humor to my books. I enjoy comedy and love to laugh. I come from a large family who loves to play jokes. I’ve often used some incidents and enhanced them, of course.

Why do I write what I do?

Boy, that’s a good question. Simply put, I can’t not write. I love to write. Where do my ideas come from? Somewhere in the deep recesses of my brain. LOL Seriously, I have no idea. They just pop up and I can’t ignore them. Once an idea hits me, I’m off and running. I love when a book flows. I’ve had a few that flowed from beginning. Not that it happens often. Sometimes I have to brainstorm with a fellow author to figure out what happens next. As I said earlier, I don’t plot my books so I never know what the characters are going to do, why, or when.

How does my writing process work?

When a book is flowing, I write whenever I can. Once the ideas hit, no matter what time of day, I have to get them down on paper –uh, I mean the computer. I’ve often gotten up in the middle of the night and wrote through until morning. I learned early on not to let an idea wait until morning. I’ve lost dialogue and other ideas that way. My memory isn’t what it used to be. If I don’t put it on the computer, at least I jot it down on paper. More often than not, the ideas keep flowing and I find myself writing for hours on end. I don’t have a set schedule like many authors. I’ve not written much in the past month since my characters have decided to ignore me. Before this block, I’ve written every day if even for only fifteen minutes. Sometimes it’s junk and I end up throwing it out, but at least I was writing. For some reason this past month, I’ve not even been able to write junk. Usually if I go back to the beginning of the book and start reading, ideas come to me, but I’ve read this one over several times and nope, nothing comes.
I figure there’s something wrong and ABLL (my nickname for Aunt Beatrice Lulu) doesn’t like something I’ve written or isn’t satisfied with the way the story is going. Until she lets me know what it is, I sit and stare at a blank screen.

The following authors are participating in the Blog Hop, check them out. And thank you again to Heather for asking me to participate. Pop over and see how they answered the same questions. Cindy Sample and Marva Dasef. While you're at it, don't forget to visit Heather's blog also.